axial

[ ak-see-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or forming an axis:

   an axial relationship.

2. situated in or on an axis.

axial

/ ˈæksɪəl /

adjective

1. relating to, forming, or characteristic of an axis
2. situated in, on, or along an axis

Derived Forms

• ˈaxially, adverb
• ˌaxiˈality, noun

Other Words From

• axi·ali·ty noun
• axi·al·ly adverb
• inter·axi·al adjective
• multi·axi·al adjective
• multi·axi·al·ly adverb
• sub·axi·al adjective
• sub·axi·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of axial¹

First recorded in 1840–50; axi- + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Chin’s team decided to call these leaves “axial” ones because they are closer to the woody stem — or axis — of the branch.

From Science News For Students

Because there is the luminous ensemble of Sigmar Polke entitled Axial Ages.

From The Daily Beast

This exoskeleton differs from the main or axial skeleton of the higher animals, the latter being inside of the body.

From Project Gutenberg

The trunk has its central axial backbone stripe and its lateral rib-lines.

From Project Gutenberg

We thus see clearly that the dorsal stripe is directly related to the internal axial skeleton.

From Project Gutenberg

He examined for instance the thorns of the Hawthorn, and saw that their structure was axial.

From Project Gutenberg

At one point in this rim may be seen the embryo, consisting of a somewhat raised area with an axial groove (mg).

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• basic
• essential
• fundamental
• important
• key
• paramount
• pivotal
• significant